Timberland launches global climate change campaign
Timberland, a leading outdoor footwear and apparel company, has announced the launch of Don’t Tell Us It Can’t Be Done – a movement that encourages citizens of the world to challenge government leaders attending the United Nation’s Conference on Climate Change (COP15) in Copenhagen this December to set standards for emissions.
Don’t Tell Us It Can’t Be Done is a global campaign that urges the public to get involved in the climate change debate by giving them a forum to let their voices be heard.
In December, 192 nations from around the world will come together in Copenhagen to attempt to ratify a new global climate change treaty, designed to replace the soon-to-expire Kyoto protocol. COP15 represents a significant opportunity to take action on climate change. Through the Don’t Tell Us It Can’t Be Done campaign, Timberland hopes to rally the power of individuals and consumers around the world to affect this process positively by challenging government leaders to set standards for emissions.
Timberland is challenging world leaders at COP15 to commit to reducing global emissions – even if that means a cap and trade system. Even with the restrictions that such a model could produce, Timberland is confident that it would force innovation in industries everywhere and that businesses, as problem solvers, would find a way to adapt without passing the cost to the consumer, just as Timberland has. Through measures such as improving lighting design, using renewable energy sources at Timberland facilities and building all new US stores to LEED specifications, Timberland has reduced its direct carbon emissions by 27% since 2006 – all while achieving cost savings.
“It’s time for companies to look at the effect their business has on the environment and do something about it,” said Jeffrey Swartz, Timberland’s President and CEO. “If world leaders set the standards, businesses will find a way to innovate and make environmentally conscious products and profits at the same time. It can be done.”
As part of this campaign, individuals can make their voices heard by signing an online petition at donttellusitcantbedone.com or by going through Facebook.com/timberland and Earthkeeper.com. The petition asks world leaders to come to an agreement on fair and binding climate legislation that clearly sets a limit for greenhouse gas emissions; and then asks them to step aside and let businesses innovate and lead the way to finding solutions to achieve those limits.
In addition to signing the petition, visitors can learn about other ways to address climate change or stay up-to-date with happenings at the conference from December 7 – 18. An on-the-ground correspondent will be providing daily updates and exclusive interviews at donttellusitcantbedone.com.
A series of videos produced by Found Object Films, founders of the "See You In Copenhagen" film campaign, will feature individuals and companies who have found innovative ways to reduce their environmental impact. Timberland will also be advertising and using social networks like Twitter and Facebook to get the word out about the campaign and the importance of addressing climate change now.
This campaign doesn’t end after the COP15 conference. No matter the result of the conference, Timberland will continue to call for commitment and action to the long-term outcome – and hopes to develop programs the build on a model of government and city engagement.